Best podcast apps for 2026

Today, it seems like everyone has a podcast, from celebrities to your next-door neighbor. Podcasts are a great way to stay informed, learn new things, and keep entertained during a long commute or while doing chores. Whether you're interested in entertainment, education, or just want something to listen to while you go about your day, there's something out there for just about everyone.

But with so many options available, it can be tough to keep track of them. That's where podcast apps come in. They help you discover new shows, manage your subscriptions, and listen to content whenever and wherever you want. Then there comes the question of which podcast app is best. Luckily, you came to the right place because we've put together a comprehensive guide to the best podcast apps for 2026, so you can spend less time searching and more time listening.

We will also show you the endless possibilities of enhancing your podcast listening experience with IFTTT, an automation service that lets you connect over 800 different services including Youtube, Facebook, Google Assistant, and more. We have over 45 podcasts services that will bring you a personalized and streamlined podcast experience. For example, you can get notified of new podcast episodes of the "Consider This" or "TED Radio Hour" podcast as Google Tasks.

BTW IFTTT lets you automate your podcasts with over 1000 digital tools. Join for free today!

Here's a few of our podcast services:

Table of Contents

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Pocket Casts
• Overcast
• Upgrade your Podcast listening experience with IFTTT

Spotify

Spotify is not just for music, but also a great podcast app. It offers a seamless experience between music and podcasts, making it easy to switch between the two. The app offers a vast selection of podcasts on various topics, both equipment and news-wise. Whether you’re interested in true crime, politics, comedy, or even astrology, there’s a podcast for you. You can also create playlists with both music and podcast episodes, which makes it a great all-in-one app for all your audio needs.

Additionally, Spotify is known for its personalized recommendations. Based on the podcasts you listen to, Spotify will suggest other podcasts that it thinks you might enjoy. This is a great feature for those who are new to podcasts or aren’t sure where to start. By listening to recommended podcasts, you can discover new hosts and topics that you might not have otherwise found.

Spotify also offers great extensive features that give users a personalized experience. For example, Spotify has podcasts for every mood, whether you're looking for something serious or light-hearted. Whatever mood you're in, there's a podcast on Spotify to match it.

Pricing:

One of the most appealing aspects of podcasts on Spotify is that they’re free to use. Unlike some other podcast platforms, you don’t need to pay a subscription fee or listen to ads in order to access most podcasts on Spotify. Of course, some podcasts may have content that’s only available to paid subscribers or have sponsor ads, but in general, Spotify’s podcast library is accessible to everyone.

A feature that stands Spotify out from most platforms is the ability to integrate with IFTTT. By connecting Spotify and IFTTT, you can streamline and enhance your listening journey by customizing your experience to fit your specific needs and preferences.

Here are some of our most popular Spotify integrations:

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is undoubtedly one of the most popular podcast apps around. It’s easy to use and comes pre-installed on iOS devices. With Apple Podcasts and their huge collection of podcasts, you can discover new ones based on categories, search for specific episodes, and subscribe to your favorites. For example, the “Top Charts” section highlights the most popular podcasts, while the “New & Noteworthy” section showcases the latest and most talked-about podcasts. It also has a feature that syncs your listening progress between your devices, so you can seamlessly continue where you left off.

One of the most significant benefits of using Apple Podcasts is that the app allows you to create a playlist of your favorite podcasts and episodes. So, whether you're on a long drive or cleaning the house, you can enjoy your favorite podcasts without worrying about finding them amongst other podcasts. You can also set up automatic downloads of new episodes, which means you don't have to keep checking for new episodes.

Apple Podcasts’ “Playback Settings” feature lets you customize several settings to improve your listening experience. For example, you can control the playback speed to increase or decrease the speed of the audio. You can also skip the silent parts, which helps to save time. Additionally, you can choose to play a continuous stream of episodes or select which episodes to play next on your queue.

Pocket Casts

Pocket Casts is a mobile podcast player available on both Android and iOS platforms and has consistently been a top choice for podcast listeners due to its many features and functions. It offers a sleek, intuitive interface with a range of features that make listening to podcasts enjoyable and efficient. The app's discovery features also make it simple to find and discover new shows while enabling subscription synchronization between devices.

It offers an array of features that make podcast listening more interactive and engaging. The app has a discovery tab that recommends podcasts based on genre and popularity. It also has an episode trimmer that enables users to cut out portions of an episode they find uninteresting. Another notable feature is the playback queue, which allows users to create a playlist and customize the order in which episodes are played. Additionally, the app offers variable playback speed, allowing users to adjust the speed to suit their preferences.

Pocket Casts has another unique feature in the form of smart playlists. Users can create custom playlists based on episode type, genre, or duration. This feature makes it easy for users to keep up with their favorite shows and always have something to listen to. Smart playlists update automatically, depending on the parameters set by the user. This feature saves time and improves organization, making it easier to manage podcast subscriptions.

Pricing:

Pocket Casts offers both a free and a paid version of their app. The free version includes basic features such as the ability to search, browse, and listen to podcasts, as well as access to a limited selection of exclusive channels. However, there are limitations to the free version.

Let's go over the paid versions:

Plus Plan ($3.99/month or $39.99/year): In addition to what is already included in the free version, the Plus Plan gives users the ability to use desktop and web apps, Apple Watch & Wear OS apps, folders and bookmarks, 20GB cloud storage, and extra themes and icons.

Patron Plan ($9.99/month or $99.99/year): The Patron Plan includes everything in the Plus Plan, in addition to early access to features, 100GB cloud storage, supporters profile badge, and Special Pocket Casts app icons.

Overcast

Overcast is a beloved podcast app exclusively for iOS and Mac, developed by indie developer Marco Arment. It's widely regarded as one of the best podcast apps on Apple devices, thanks to its clean design and two standout audio features that set it apart from the competition.

Smart Speed intelligently shortens silences in episodes, saving you real listening time without distorting the audio or making voices sound unnatural. Voice Boost normalizes and enhances voices to make them clearer and more consistent across different shows — especially helpful when switching between well-produced and amateur podcasts.

Overcast also makes podcast discovery easy with its built-in directory and curated recommendations. You can follow friends to see what they're listening to, organize your subscriptions into playlists, and use powerful filtering options to stay on top of new episodes. The app syncs seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.

Pricing:

Overcast is free to download and use, with all core features available at no cost — including Smart Speed and Voice Boost. An optional Supporter subscription ($9.99/year) removes ads from the app interface and helps support independent development. There are no feature paywalls, making Overcast one of the best values among podcast apps.

Upgrade your podcast listening experience with IFTTT

IFTTT is an incredibly powerful tool that can help you upgrade your podcast listening experience to new heights. By automating tasks like downloading new episodes, customizing recommendations and alerts, and integrating smart home devices, you can save time, enhance personalization, and streamline your podcast listening experience. So, what are you waiting for? Try out some of the Applets we've highlighted in this blog and see how they can transform the way you listen to podcasts. Join IFTTT today for free!

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free podcast app?

Spotify and Overcast are two of the best free podcast apps available. Spotify works on both Android and iOS and gives you access to a massive podcast library at no cost. Overcast is iOS-only but stands out with its free Smart Speed and Voice Boost features that improve audio quality and save listening time.

What is the best podcast app for iPhone?

Apple Podcasts comes pre-installed and works seamlessly across all Apple devices. Overcast is a top alternative for iPhone users who want more advanced audio features like Smart Speed and Voice Boost. Pocket Casts is also excellent if you want a cross-platform app with a polished interface.

What is the best podcast app for Android?

Spotify is one of the best podcast apps for Android, offering a huge library and personalized recommendations for free. Pocket Casts is another strong choice, with powerful playlist management, smart filters, and cross-device sync.

Does Apple Podcasts cost money?

Apple Podcasts is free to use. Some individual podcasts may offer premium subscription content through Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, but the app itself and the vast majority of podcast content are available at no charge.

What happened to Google Podcasts?

Google Podcasts was shut down in 2024. Google encouraged users to migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music, which now supports podcast listening. However, many former Google Podcasts users have switched to alternatives like Spotify, Pocket Casts, or Overcast.

Can I automate my podcast listening with IFTTT?

Yes! IFTTT connects with over 45 podcast services and lets you automate tasks like getting notified when a new episode drops, saving episodes to a playlist, or triggering smart home actions when you start listening. Get started for free at IFTTT.com.